HP launch Materials Development Kit at AMUG 2017

Days after launching its 3D Open Materials and Applications Lab in Corvallis, Oregon, HP has followed up with the announcements of a Materials Development Kit and share details of new materials innovations at AMUG 2017.

The industry’s first Materials Development Kit (MDK) for 3D printing materials has been developed in conjunction with SIGMADESIGN. HP suggest the MDK, expected to ship this spring, will ensure a robust and expanding array of materials for end-use customers, and a simplified certification and testing process for partners.

Cited as an integral element in HP’s open platform strategy, the MDK will make certifying materials quicker and easier. Companies will be able to swiftly test 3D powder spreadability and compatibility with HP Jet Fusion 3D printers prior to submitting the materials to HP for testing. HP and SIGMADESIGN are confident this will not only simplify the process and save time, but also lead to higher quality standards being met.

“HP is leading the evolution of 3D printing from prototyping and SIGMADESIGN understands how important each step of the manufacturing process is in this journey,” said Bill Huseby, president and CEO, SIGMADESIGN. “Materials are at the centre of successful manufacturing, and the combination of HP’s open platform and the ability to enable voxel-level control will help expedite the digital transformation of this multi-trillion dollar market.”

Last week, HP launched and gave behind-the-scenes tours of its new 3D Open Materials and Applications Lab. It was promoted as a base for HP partners to accelerate product development and test new materials. Not wishing to secrete examples of such product development, HP used AMUG to share some details.

Evonik, the first partner to announce plans to commercialise a certified material for the HP Open Platform last October, disclosed information on the VESTOSINT 3D Z2773, a PA-12 powder material introduced for the HP Jet Fusion.

HP 3D Open Materials & Apps Lab

The 3,500 square-foot space will be accessible to HP’s 3D materials partners to jumpstart product development, test new materials and get real-time feedback from engineers.

“In October, we announced successful certification of VESTOSINT 3D Z2773, and we are now excited to confirm initial availability in May with the full commercial offering available for our customers shortly thereafter,” said Dr Matthias Kottenhahn, Head of the Business Line High Performance Polymers of Evonik. “In only six months, leveraging the HP Open Materials and Applications Lab, our team has been able to develop, certify and begin selling an innovative new material with significant property advantages.

BASF is another HP partner utilising the new open materials and applications services, and has been testing a range of materials.

“At BASF, our goal is to enable customers to produce resilient and functional parts through the use of innovative material solutions,” said Kara Noack, Head of 3D Printing North America, BASF. “Using the HP Open Platform and its one-of-a-kind testing lab in Corvallis to accelerate material development is helping to unlock the potential of 3D printing. The open platform gives BASF an opportunity to collaborate with customers, and together with HP, accelerate not only the material market, but also 3D printing adoption within manufacturing.”

The purpose of the new work space and the following launch of HP MDK has been to further establish the company’s and its partners status in the additive manufacturing sector. HP believes by aligning with fellow innovators, and collaborating in the same work space, the additive manufacturing as a whole can benefit.

“An open ecosystem of industry leaders is critical for greater innovation, breakthrough economics, and faster development of 3D printing materials and applications,” said Tim Weber, global head, 3D Materials and Advanced Applications at HP. “Our growing certified partner network and leading-edge lab facilities are a testament to the progress we are making in spearheading a dynamic community of collaborators focused on delivering the most innovative and production-ready 3D printing solutions.”

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